One of the best stories of the 2024-25 season for the Los Angeles Lakers was the rise of guard Jordan Goodwin from training camp invite and G League player to legit rotation member for head coach JJ Redick.
Goodwin was a defensive menace and source of endless energy for a Lakers team that sorely needed it. On a team full of elite offensive talent, Goodwin was someone willing to do the dirty work, take on the toughest defensive challenges, and truly provided a spark for the Lakers once he was called up.
Initially on a two-way contract, Goodwin’s deal was eventually converted to a standard one as the Lakers wanted him to remain on the roster for their run to the postseason.
Along the way, Goodwin became a fan favorite as the hard-working, scrappy guard who never backed down from anyone. He also became known for wearing a black face mask in games, which he does as a protective measure from an injury he suffered earlier in his career and harkened back to the days of the late, great Kobe Bryant sporting that similar mask.
Goodwin would appear in 29 games for the Lakers, including five starts, averaging 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals in 18.7 minutes per game. He also was solid as a shooter as he knocked down 38.2% of his 3-pointers on 2.3 attempts per game.
2024-25 Highlight
Goodwin made an immediate impact upon being called up to the Lakers, quickly finding himself in Redick’s rotation and taking advantage of the opportunity presented to him while helping the Lakers win games. He followed a 10-point, 4-rebound debut with a season-high 17 points, eight rebounds and two steals in victories over the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz, respectively.
Goodwin did make a career-high five 3-pointers in a March contest against the Brooklyn Nets, which might serve as the single best highlight of the season.
2025-26 Outlook
While many hoped to see Goodwin remain with the Lakers as he had really endeared himself to both the franchise and the fans, they waived him this offseason in order to create the cap room to sign Marcus Smart. While it is unfortunate for the Lakers, Goodwin was claimed off waivers by the Phoenix Suns, a team he has played for in the past.
With the Suns entering a new era following the trade of Kevin Durant and buyout of Bradley Beal, there will be a real opportunity for Goodwin to carve out a role for himself.
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